In this day and age, slow-motion video footage is a useful thing to have in your arsenal. Great Slo-Mo intro to a vlog, film, drama or a presentation can amp up the quality to an unprecedented level.
You need to have several tricks up your sleeves to capture perfect moments of slow-motion action (like the bullet-dodging sequence in the Matrix). One of those tricks is having one of the best slow motion cameras in your hands at the time of shooting.
Back in the day, these things were expensive. Not anymore. If you know what you are looking for, you can buy one at an affordable price. The only issue here is to find the right gear.
That’s where this article of mine will fill in. You’ll have a list of top slow-motion video cameras AND a buying guide tucked in so that people can do their own research as well.
Table of Contents
5 Top-Rated Slow Motion Cameras to Buy
IMAGE | TITLE | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony α7R IV | Type: Mirrorless Camera | |
| Sony a7 III | Type: Mirrorless Camera | |
| GoPro HERO9 Black | Type: Action Camera | |
| Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV | Type: Bridge Camera | |
| Panasonic LUMIX GH5 | Type: Mirrorless Camera |
Now that the premise is set up, we can move to the main topic of the day. That is, best slow motion camera reviews. Following cameras on the list will help you in capturing the best cinematic experience possible. Let’s have a look.
1. Sony α7R IV Full-frame Mirrorless Camera
Because of the superior image processing, Sony has taken power and efficiency game to a whole new level. For the first time ever The Sony Alpha 7R IV full frame mirrorless camera has combined the world’s very first high-resolution 61MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with astounding shooting speeds that go up to 10 frames per second!
This beast gets serious when it comes to raw performance and power. The camera fully supports AF/AE tracking. I was also able to capture stunning 4k HDR videos that had a jaw-dropping quality.
Not only that, but this baby also supports a 15-stop dynamic range that comes with area-specific noise reduction technology.
You get a truckload of premium features with the alpha 7R IV and the BIONZ X image processing engine is probably the best of them all. It is custom-tuned to maximize the overall performance of the sensor up to 1.5 times. Trust me when I say this, this is no small deal.
It offers some tweaks over the previous version that in general has taken the camera one step ahead.
The dynamic range at low sensitivities results in natural gradations that are super smooth that range from deep shadows to highlights. And don’t even get me started on the color reproduction that it offers. It is simply breathtaking! Not to mention it has a display that allows touch tracking for movies.
It has an impressive ISO range as well and it extends from ISO 100 up to ISO 32000 with unaltered image quality. And guess what, this can be extended to ISO 50 to ISO 102400 for still image capturing.
Being a slow-motion camera, it has some high-speed options that are praiseworthy. The advanced options allow the camera to capture subjects that are moving at extremely high speeds.
The Alpha 7R IV features as many as 567 phase-detection points in high-density focal planes. And it comes with an AF system that covers 99.7 % of the image area vertically and 74% horizontally.
This, along with tons of other sophisticated features enable the camera to achieve 4D focus. This, in turn, results in wider, faster, and more reliable AF functionality.
Dust and moisture issues are the last thing I had to worry about. This camera is solid in every sense and it is built keeping durability in mind. A redesigned dedicated button that ensures security and gives the final touch to the protection system overall.
Bundled with a bunch of awesome accessories, this camera makes to the top list of my preference in slow motion cameras.
Sony α7R IV
What I Like about this Camera
What I Don’t Like about this Camera
2. Sony α7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
Let’s move on backward from the successor to the predecessor with the Sony α7 III and see how it holds up to the competition of best slow motion cameras.
It has some interesting features that are quite competitive considering the reasonable price point. So, without further delay let us see what this one has to offer.
As far as ISO ranges are concerned, this one has a range up to ISO 100-51200 and in case you want to take stills, it can be extended to ISO 50-2048007.
The considerable white detail reproduction rate and noise reduction technology that is used in this device take it onto a whole new league in image detail maintenance. A must-have for enthusiasts and those who love quality over all else.
The 24.2 Exmor R CMOS sensor that features a back-illuminated structure is put together with the Bionz X image processing engine to provide performance that is hard to beat.
All this combined with a front-end LSI offers 2 times faster readout and data processing speeds up to 1.8x. Now, this is what I call a monstrous piece of machinery!
The 4D focus is also available in the alpha 7 III which features 693 phase-detection points covering approximately 93 percent of the image area. So, you get the high-quality autofocus that will help out a lot if you are not a fan of focusing everything with the manual settings.
Wait for it, we are just getting to the good part!
A continuous burst is possible with this slow-motion camera with AF/AE tracking and up to 8 frames per second burst shooting while in live view mode.
Are you a fan of recording videos in 4k?
Well, you are in luck, as this one is very much capable of recording overwhelming 4k movies through 2.4 times higher oversampling along with HLG and HDR support.
Plus, the viewfinder feature is included in this camera and it ensures super performance when compared to the average cameras that we are used to seeing.
Sony has put in all sorts of accessories that you might find handy while using the Alpha 3. These include a rechargeable battery, a shoulder strap, body cap, accessory shoe cap, micro USB cable and more.
So, if you are a slow-motion video recording enthusiast, or you want to try out a bit of advanced cinematography, this camera here will do you wonders.
Sony α7 III
What I Like about this Camera
What I Don’t Like about this Camera
3. GoPro HERO9 Black
Are you packed and ready to go on an adventure with the GoPro Hero9? Because this tiny little thing can be your companion in the deepest depths under the water surface and the harrowing heights that challenge the skies. The camera has been crafted for those who want to live their lives beyond the edge.
The GoPro 9 will not falter in performance even if you are in extreme shaky situations. The HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization and built-in mounting is a great combination that offers stable video capturing whether you are on a mountain bike or a surfboard.
There are three types of mods to go with your photography and video capturing needs. You can go with the media mod to get premium shotgun mic performance, the display mod to use the flip-up screen to frame up your shots and of course, the light mod for optimum LED light support.
Versatility is something I adore when it comes to camera features and the GoPro seems to have it all.
Slow-motion video capture has never been more fun! The new and improved GoPro has the TimeWarp 3.0 which allows automatic speed selection on the fly. If you want to tamper with time even faster then all you have to do is, tap and speed things up or slow them down at your whim.
HDR is something photographers all around the world know and love. Better quality HDR result in far better image quality as we know it. You can now literally boost up the contrast and neutralize blur with the re-engineered SuperPhoto + Improved HDR.
You will be amazed by the breathtaking details that you never thought were possible, and that is a guarantee.
“LiveBurst” is something I found to be rather interesting. This little feature captures images 1.5 seconds before and after you hit the shutter. This means you get 90 whole photos to choose from.
Wait, there’s more than meets the eye! You can even turn it into a 3-second video clip. So, what will you do? The choice is right at your fingertips.
Night Lapse videos make the wonders of the night come to life and with breathtaking detail at that in "Variable" resolutions. The audio functionality in this one is super too. So, you will be able to capture the most minute detail of every audio-visual experience you want to share.
Last but not the least by far, this little devil is more rugged and hardy than you can ever imagine it to be. Highly dependable cameras that are shockproof and waterproof have always been my thing. And that’s why I put this one in the A list of the top Slo-Mo Cameras available out there.
GoPro HERO9 Black
What I Like about this Camera
What I Don’t Like about this Camera
4. Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV
Sony boasts that the RX10IV has the AF acquisition time of 0.03 seconds which is the world’s fastest so far. Not only that, but it offers complete AF/AE tracking and an impressive 315-point phase-detection autofocus system.
With a variety of features, this camera is indeed one of the best slow motion cameras I have come across so far.
The camera has an Exmor RS equipped CMOS sensor with back illumination that’s combined with a hybrid AF system that definitely offers some perks that are hard to resist.
The autofocus function having contrast detection, I was able to focus on my desired target with ease. This made life a lot easier when I wasn’t willing to focus manually.
The sensor being equipped with a DRAM chip not only makes operation a lot more efficient but it also boosts up speed to quite some extent. The BIONZ X processing engine, stacked up with front-end LSI offers stunning 20.1-megapixel photos and 24 frames per second continuous shooting.
This offers an output that is hard to match. Quality above all else is prioritized, which is something I adore in my Slo-Mo cameras.
The RX10 being well equipped with the super slow-motion HFR7, I was literally allowed to see the unseen. I took some shots that I thought weren’t possible ever before.
The shooting speed can actually go down to 40 times! Now that’s what I call super slow. 960fps, 480fps or 240fps capture rates will be at your disposal and that is no small deal by far.
The camera itself was designed for professionals. Having a large array of sophisticated features make it ideal for high-quality slow-motion film making.
Features like Gamma Display Assist, Proxy recording, Time Code / User Bit and more lets you really dive into the immense possibilities of motion capture that are rarely offered by other devices.
Last but not least, I can’t just ignore the ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm3 ultra-zoom lens. This feature is simply amazing and perhaps beyond. This allows ultra-telephoto zoom and lets you go places no human eye can reach.
This also offers steady-shot image stabilization that makes shooting a lot easy in adverse and unstable conditions.
This camera offers a lot considering the price range it comes in. The hardware and software used in this are very user-friendly. Not to mention, the user interface is optimized for all sorts of users. So, if you want to try out slow-motion video capturing, this tiny wonder is definitely worth looking into.
Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV
What I Like about this Camera
What I Don’t Like about this Camera
5. PANASONIC LUMIX GH5 4K Digital Camera
A fine list of slow-motion cameras won’t be complete without including a device from Panasonic. They have produced a large number of magnificent cameras over the years and have delved into the Slo-Mo world as well.
Bundled with a bunch of effective and impressive features, the LUMIX GH5 climbs up to the top list of best slow motion cameras available.
Firstly, I was amazed by how sturdy this thing actually is. The solid build quality makes it seem like no less than a miniature tank. The camera is splash and dustproof, not to mention, freezeproof down to -10 degrees.
A full die-cast armor frame built with magnesium alloy makes it very durable yet lightweight at the same time. This camera is specially designed for users who like to take it rough.
The shutter of the camera is very durable as well and offers approx. 200,000 times release. It claims to have the highest shutter speed at max and additionally can capture fast-moving shots that are extremely difficult to capture. Even with fast aperture lenses, the de-focus seems quite impressive.
The Digital Live MOS sensor has a pixel count of 20.3 MP and is capable of capturing amazing detail in images that wow the viewers. When the low pass filter is removed from the sensor, you can easily capture high acute sharpness along with artifact-free high dynamic range.
The Digital Live MOS sensor combined with the powerful Venus Engine 10 achieves the unachievable with amazing color reproduction and natural expression of textures. The three-dimensional color control zings make it possible to produce lively images even at high ISO sensitivity settings.
Whether you are a fan of 4k videos or variable frame rates, this camera has it all. The VFR setting lets you capture slow-motion videos, and by slow, I mean really slow, up to 7.5 times. Focusing features are in multitudes in the GH5 that come with DFD ultra-fast movement detection.
The joystick control and easy to use interface make this camera a great choice for filmmakers and videography enthusiasts. The image stabilization features of the camera are impressive too. Allowing you to capture photos under almost any circumstances.
The dual SD card slots and an array of additional features offer professional versatility and in-depth control over your work. I personally give this camera a thumbs up as it checks all the necessary boxes in my requirements of an ideal slow-motion camera.
PANASONIC LUMIX GH5
What I Like about this Camera
What I Don’t Like about this Camera
Some Useful Tips that will Help out with your Purchase
I have already given you a list of awesome cameras that I found to be the champions in the field of slow-motion video capture. But still, if you want to explore for yourself and find the right camera just for you, then here are some tips and tricks that will definitely help you with your venture.
Low Frame Rates Won’t Do
First of all, you want your camera to have a high speed capturing capacity. You might be asking, high speed for slow motion? Yes, that’s right. If your camera can’t go to high frame rates while shooting, it can hardly be called a slow-motion camera.
500-3000 frames per second is something you might be wanting to consider. These speeds are the peak point when it starts to get interesting.
The higher the frame rate, the slower you can go with your camera. But there’s something you should keep in mind. Once the resolution goes higher, the frame rates go lower. You can’t get the same slow-motion effect in 4k and full hd (1080p) from the same hardware.
Build Quality Matters
Whether it be videography or photography, you have to be sincere about the build quality of your camera. There is no point in investing a lot of money on something that performs well but is flimsy.
If the exterior is not strong enough then you won’t be able to rely on it, nor will you feel safe while using it.
Dust, shock, and splash-proof cameras are usually reliable as they are well built with solid materials. Even hard plastic can be dependable. Solid build quality doesn’t always mean you have to go with personalized magnesium.
The Interface has to be Good
Speaking of interfaces, how do we differentiate good from the bad? The first and foremost condition is that it has to be user-friendly. Some cameras even have easy and advanced modes that let both amateurs and specialists have total control over the features that they need.
I have seen some interfaces that have an exterior button that is dedicated to assisting the user with the information of the feature. The help button tells you exactly what the feature does while you are hovering on it.
Trust me, interfaces can get difficult without them, especially for advanced cameras that have Slo-Mo capacity.
Auto Focus is Essential
While capturing scenes with slow-motion you have to have accurate focus. And that can get impossible at times if you want to go manual. Slow-motion cameras. At least the good ones have intelligent autofocus capacity that is backed up by efficient and sophisticated hardware.
You should also check out focus capacities that can achieve immediate focus by simply tapping on the LCD screen, this feature can come in handy more often than you can think.
Image stabilizers are combined with AF features to give accuracy without any sort of a blur. This kind of feature makes it worthwhile. Look for cameras that have good lenses and processors that can focus on targeted subjects with ease.
Details Can Never be Good Enough
Higher MP counts and awesome lenses with superb image processing can lead to good details and astounding color reproduction. The question is, how good can the details get?
Well, the truth is that like all devices, cameras are getting better and better with time. Larger megapixel counts don’t mean better detail, but once it is paired with a good lens it can offer better contrastive images.
Zooming capacities also matter and shutter speeds do count. These things are very much dependent on the hardware that is installed in the camera itself.
Not all features are the same and that’s exactly why you need to select the ones that suit your needs. Some older versions of a specific camera range can do you good and come at a lower price point as well.
At the end of the day, there are no limits to the details a camera can achieve. The true limit is your own satisfaction.
Parting Words of Wisdom from Me
Dispose with the notion that the best slow motion cameras aren’t cheap. Very often than not, they are! My advice to you would be, “Look for a product with a high frame rate and a brilliant focus system.”
When you’re in for quality, Go Pro Hero9 is the first camera that comes to mind. Having second thoughts? Sony Cybershot series is the way to go. Go Pro gives you the flexibility and Sony on the other hand, satisfies users with the price vs. performance ratio.
The buying guide will give you an in-depth look at how I selected the items. Users can follow the same footprint and choose the product that ticks the most boxes for them.
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